Backyard refreshment station

ABSTRACT

A collapsible refreshment station ( 10 ) including a lower support assembly ( 24 ) and also including a number of frame members ( 38,39,40,42 ). The upper ends of the frame members ( 38,39,40,42 ) are pivotally attached to upper connectors ( 52,54 ), and the lower ends are pivotally attached to feet ( 48,50 ), such that the lower support assembly ( 24 ) as a whole expands outwardly from a central area ( 36 ). The station ( 10 ) also includes a table support frame ( 26 ), which attaches to the lower support assembly ( 24 ), and a table ( 16 ), which attaches to the table support frame ( 26 ). Each of the upper connectors ( 52,54 ) includes an upper face ( 72 ), the upper faces ( 72 ) together serving to form a lower surface support structure ( 21 ). A lower surface ( 17 ) is disposed upon said lower surface support structure ( 21 ), which may be a screen surface ( 18 ).  
     The lower support assembly ( 24 ) and the table support frame ( 26 ) are included in a framework ( 14 ) which may include a number of connecting sockets ( 62,64 ) which attach the table support frame ( 26 ) to the lower support assembly ( 24 ).  
     The refreshment station ( 10 ) may include a windscreen ( 22 ) which is attached to a portion of the framework ( 14 ).  
     The refreshment station ( 10 ) may also include a canopy support frame ( 28 ), to which a canopy ( 20 ) is attached.  
     The collapsible refreshment station ( 10 ) may be a single table station ( 12 ) or two single table stations ( 12 ) may be connected together to form a double table station ( 100 ).

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/236,479, filed Sep. 29, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to recreational furniture and more particularly to portable structures for food or drink preparation.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] As people in our society have more free time, the need for and usage of recreational furniture increases. Recreational furniture is used for relaxation in a variety of settings, from poolside, to backyard and for use on outings such as picnics and daytrips. Such furniture is preferably lightweight and sturdy, easily portable, and folds to a compact size when not in use. For social gatherings of various types, it is often desirable to have portable surface constructions for use in preparing food and drink items. These portable surface constructions are often referred to as “bars” in regard to the traditional counters for preparing drinks, although their application extends beyond the use of drink preparation.

[0004] For outdoor use, it is especially useful for a bar to have a shade canopy included. A canopy may also have uses as a windscreen, if it includes a vertical wall component. Besides providing some shelter from gusts for the users, the canopy may screen food items from wind-born dust and may prevent lighter items such as paper plates from sailing off.

[0005] For portability, it is very important that the station be very light-weight and easy to carry. It is thus desirable that the number of parts or separate components be minimized, and that the overall structure assemble easily and quickly.

[0006] There have been previous attempts to make portable food-preparation structures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,087 to Pouch describes a Portable Counter-bar which include a number of folding panels and top and bottom parts which can serve as table surfaces. Although the side panels provide some measure of wind screening, the overall structure appears bulky and requires considerable assembly. There is no overhead canopy included.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,270 to Price discloses a portable modular field kitchen which has a number of detachable elements and no canopy.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,817 to Greathouse describes a portable food holding device which is configured into a cart-like structure having no canopy.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,318 discloses a collapsible table which has a base, a lid and a foldable planar member which can be arranged around the perimeter make an enclosure. It also appears bulky and includes no canopy portion.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,325 describes a box-shaped food enclosure in which food can be stored to keep warn. A canopy is included, but only to enclose the top surface of the box.

[0011] Thus there is a need for a portable refreshment station in which food and drink may be prepared, which collapses to a very small and light-weight configuration, which includes a canopy or wind screen that can provide protection for the user, and which contains a minimal number of detachable elements that may be misplaced.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refreshment station which is collapsible into a compact configuration.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a refreshment station which is easily portable and which stores easily in a small space.

[0014] And another object of the invention is to provide a refreshment station which is available with either one or two table stations as desired.

[0015] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a collapsible refreshment station having a lower support assembly including a number of frame members. The upper ends of the frame members are pivotally attached to upper connectors, and the lower ends are pivotally attached to feet, such that the lower support assembly as a whole expands outwardly from a central area. The station also includes a table support frame, which attaches to the lower support assembly, and a table, which attaches to the table support frame. Each of the upper connectors includes an upper face, all of the upper faces together serving to form a lower surface support structure. A lower surface is disposed upon said lower surface support structure, which may be a screen surface, or a solid table surface.

[0016] The lower support assembly and said table support frame are included in a framework which may include a number of connecting sockets which attach the table support frame to the lower support assembly.

[0017] The refreshment station may include a windscreen which is attached to a portion of the framework.

[0018] The refreshment station may also include a canopy support frame, to which a canopy is attached.

[0019] The collapsible refreshment station may be a single table station or two single table stations that may be connected together to form a double table station.

[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that it collapses in unison towards a central point and force applied to either expand or collapse the frame when applied at any of the sides causes the frame to move as a whole.

[0021] Another advantage of the invention is it is available as either a single table station or as a double table station and can be converted from one to the other as desired.

[0022] And another advantage of the invention is the top canopy is removable, and is therefore “convertible”.

[0023] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a single table refreshment station of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view of a single table refreshment station of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the frame of a single table refreshment station of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 4 illustrates a detail view of the lower portion of the frame of a single table refreshment station of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a corner foot as shown in detail circle A of FIG. 4;

[0030]FIG. 6 illustrates a detail view of a middle foot as shown in detail circle B of FIG. 4;

[0031]FIG. 7 shows a detail view of an upper corner connector as shown in detail circle C of FIG. 4; and

[0032]FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a double table refreshment station of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a backyard refreshment station 10. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the view of FIG. 1, a form of this preferred embodiment of the inventive device is depicted by the general reference character 10. The refreshment station 10 can be used for preparation of a variety of drinks and food items, and can be in a variety of configurations including a single table or a double table configuration as will be described below.

[0034]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a backyard refreshment station 10, which is a single table station 12, FIG. 1 being an isometric view and FIG. 2 being a front plan view. The major elements of the station 12 include a framework 14, a table 16, a lower surface 17, which in the embodiment shown is a screen surface 18, a canopy 20 and a wind screen 22. The framework 14, which is seen in more detail in FIG. 3, includes a number of major portions or assemblies, including a lower support assembly 24, which includes a lower surface support structure 21, a table support frame 26, and a canopy support frame 28.

[0035] As seen in FIG. 1, the table 16 may also optionally include a number of preparation wells 30 for food items or drink preparation supplies. The space below the table 16 and above the lower surface 17 and within the area surrounded on three sides by the windscreen 22 will be referred to as the upper storage space 32. Similarly, the space below the lower surface 17, extending to the ground and also surrounded on three sides by the windscreen 22 will be referred to as the lower storage space 34.

[0036]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the framework 14 of the single table station 12, from which the screen surface, table and canopy have been removed. In FIG. 4, the canopy support frame 28 has been truncated in this view for easier viewing of the remainder of the frame.

[0037] It is important that the framework 14 collapse into a compact configuration which can be stored or transported easily. For this purpose, there are provided pivot points and support members which act in concert to collapse toward a central area 36. To simplify construction, most of the members of the lower support assembly 24 are preferably permanently pivotally attached, so that the user need not be involved in locating and positioning a myriad of loose pieces. The framework 14, as discussed above, will be considered to include generally a lower support assembly 24, a table support frame 26 and a canopy support frame 28. The lower support assembly 24 includes front support members 38, back support members 39, side support members 40 and middle support members 42. These various members are connected, usually at pivots 44 included generally at the midpoints of various support members and in various pivot assemblies 46. These pivot assemblies 46 include the corner feet 48, middle feet 50, upper corner connectors 52, and upper middle connectors 54. Also included in the frame 14 are corner uprights 56, which at their lower ends fit into sockets 58 in the corner feet 48, pass through through-holes 60 in the upper corner connectors 52, and join, at their upper ends into front connector sockets 62 and rear connector sockets 64. The connector sockets 62, 64 attach to cross-bars 66 of the table support frame 26.

[0038] The upper faces 72 of the upper corner connectors 52 and upper middle connectors 54 are preferably flat, at least in part, and these upper faces 72 together form a lower surface support structure 21. The lower surface 17 (see also FIG. 1), rests upon this lower surface support structure to form a shelf or secondary work surface. A screen surface 18 is shown acting as the lower surface 17, but this lower surface could be a solid table top, perhaps with wells. It may function as a removable lid for the lower storage space 21, and can thus be hinged, or completely removable.

[0039] There may be retaining members 74 included in the upper faces 72 of the connectors 52, 54 which may releasably engage some portion of the lower surface 17 to maintain it in position. For example, retaining members 74 may be pegs or screw heads attached to the upper faces 72, which protrude through openings in the screen surface 18 and restrain it from lateral movement.

[0040]FIG. 5 is a detail view of the corner foot 48 seen in detail circle A of FIG. 4.

[0041] In the following FIGS. 5-7, the attached members are shown in dashed line for ease of viewing. The illustrated corner foot 48 has only two pivotal attachment points 44 and a socket 58. This style foot will be referred to as a two-pivot connector 68. A corner upright 56 is shown inserted into socket 58. A side support member 40 and a front support member 38 are shown attached to the pivot points 44.

[0042]FIG. 6 shows a detail view of the middle foot 50 seen in detail circle B of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the middle foot 50 has attachment sites for three pivotal support members and one upright support, although the socket 58 is not used here. This style foot will be referred to as a three-pivot connector 70. Two front support members 38 and a middle support member 42 are shown attached to the pivot points 44.

[0043]FIG. 7 shows a detail view of the upper corner connector 52 seen in detail circle C of FIG. 4. For ease of viewing, the view is been shifted to a point from underneath the connector. Here, another three-pivot connector 70 is used, although only two members 38, 40 have been presently attached. It is therefore to be understood that a two-pivot connector could have been used as well. The connector has been modified, however, by the addition of a through-hole 60 through which corner upright 56 passes. The through-hole 60 is preferably of sufficient diameter that the corner upright 56 can slip through easily, because when the frame is to be collapsed, as the members are drawn to the center, the upper corner connector 52 must be free to slide upwards on the corner upright 56. A front support member 38 and a side support member 40 are shown connected at the pivots 44.

[0044] The upper middle connector 54 which is included in detail circle D of FIG. 4 may be essentially the same as the three-pivot connector 70 shown in FIG. 7, with the exception that the through-hole may be absent, since there is no upright member to pass through it. However, the presence of a through-hole does not interfere with the function of the connector 54, and it may be desired that for uniformity of manufacturing, the middle connector 54 may be identical to the corner connector 52.

[0045] Referring now also to FIG. 4, these pivot assemblies 46 and pivots 44 connect all the frame members 38, 39, 42, 40 to each other, so there are no loose pieces to be gathered and assembled. The lower support assembly 24 can be thought of as an extended scissors-frame assembly 37 since the tops and bottoms of each pair of frame members scissor together or apart. These scissor pairs 35 are then joined in an extended assembly where the ends of multiple pairs are joined at the pivot assemblies 46. They also allow the lower support assembly 24 as a whole to be collapsed or expanded in a very easy and efficient manner. Force directed at any one of the corners causes movement in all the other corners, so that there is movement of the whole lower support assembly 24 in either an inward or outward direction, relative to the central area 36. The pivots 44 allow the lower support assembly 24 to move towards a central area 36 from all sides as a unit when the frame 18 is to be collapsed, and to move away from this central area 36 when expanding.

[0046] This configuration will be spoken of as “expanding outwardly from a central area”, although it is to be understood that one of the feet may actually remain in fixed position, while the remainder of the feet move outward. In other words, the central reference area from which the feet move, may itself move laterally. One example of this occurs when the collapsed support frame is placed in the corner of a yard, where, say, the left rear foot of the frame is in the left rear corner of the yard, and thus is constrained from movement in a further leftward or rearward direction. When the frame expands, all the other, non-constrained feet will expand outwardly from a central area to the right, or forward, or both, even as the central area itself will move to the right and forward, relative to the immobile left rear foot.

[0047] It should also be understood that all the lines of direction of the movement of the feet are not expected to intersect at a precise point. The central area 36 is thus a relatively small region from which the feet 48, 50 move outwardly, but there should be no inference that all feet must move in a specific lines, such as radially from a single specific center point. To one skilled in the art, it will be apparent that if such precise directionality were attempted, manufacturing errors would inevitably introduce variations. Thus, the expansion is considered to move outwardly from a central area or region, and should not be construed to imply any particular lines of direction, other than generally outward from this central area. The direction arrows and central area 36 shown in FIG. 4, are therefore not provided to show specific lines of movement which must be followed, but merely a general direction of movement towards, or away from, a general central area 36.

[0048] It is to be understood that the pivot assemblies shown here are several of many possible variations obvious to one skilled in the art which would enable the frame to collapse to a compact configuration, and are not intended to be construed as a limitation.

[0049] The table 16 is preferably held in position on the cross-bars 66 which support it by attachment clips (not visible) which clasp the cross-bars 66.

[0050] The windscreen 22 and canopy 20 can be made of any durable fabric such as nylon. In order to anchor it in place, the fabric may be fitted with elastic cords attached to hooks 76 (see FIG. 1) which engage holes 78 (see FIG. 4) in the frame 14. The hooks can also be made to engage grommets installed elsewhere in the fabric, other hooks in the fabric or by any other conventional attachment device.

[0051] The canopy support frame 28 can also have attachment holes 78 for hooks (see FIG. 3), and may have an upper cross bar 80 and a lower cross bar 82, which may fit into a connector sockets 84, 86. The cross bars 80, 82 are not required, but are preferred in order to add structural stability to the frame 14, and maintain the overall frame 14 in the expanded configuration.

[0052]FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment, that of a double table station 100. Whenever the elements correspond to those in the single table station, they will be referred to by the same element numbers. Generally the structure of the double table station 100 is that of two single table stations 12, which are symmetrically arranged facing each other. The basic elements of the lower support assemblies 24, and table support frames 26 are the same as described before, with the addition of spacer bars 114 which serve to keep the single table stations in proper position relative to each other. These spacer bars 114 attach to modified front corner feet 148 which have an additional hook or attachment site (not shown).

[0053] The major modification in the double table station 100 is in the canopy 120 and the canopy support frame 128. The canopy 120 must be long enough to span the space between the two single table stations 12 and has a correspondingly longer support frame 128. This support frame 128 may use a pair of bridging bars 150, which attach to the corner uprights 56 by any number of conventional methods. The bridging bars 150 may themselves be made up of several detachable segments, or may be unitary pieces.

[0054] The rear of the station 100 may have a removable windscreen section 160, which is preferably attached to the other windscreen pieces 22 by hooks or Velcro or any other conventional fasteners. This removable section 160 can also be positioned at the front of the station, if desired, or there can be screens at both front and back.

[0055] The cloth canopy 20, 120 in each of the embodiments is removable, so that if it is desired that the stations 12, 100 be open to the sky, this is easily accomplished, and the stations 12, 100 are essentially “convertible”.

[0056] The design of the windscreens 22, 160, for both the single table station 12 and the double table station 100, is subject to much variation. It is possible that the windscreen 22 and the canopy 20, 120 be of one unitary piece, or that the windscreens 22 extend high enough on one or all sides to meet the canopy 20, 120. Presently, it is preferred that the windscreens 22 only extend as high as the table 18 surface, to present the user of the station 12, 100 with better visibility. It is also possible that some or all of the “windscreen” be made of mesh which would screen out insects instead of wind, and that there could be a screen enclosure around each storage area or station to protect food items.

[0057] The present invention 10 is designed so it is easily changeable from a double table station 100 to a single table station 12 by simply detaching one of the table stations 12, and replacing some of the upper canopy frame members and using the smaller canopy 20. Thus, the size of the station can be tailored for the occasion, and certain users, such as professional caterers, or hosts of varying sized parties, may choose the double table station 100 for large gatherings and the single table station 12 for smaller occasions.

[0058] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0059] The present collapsible refreshment station 10 is well suited for application in a variety of settings, from poolside, to backyard and for use on outings such as picnics and daytrips. Recreational furniture is preferably lightweight and sturdy, is easily portable, and folds to a compact size when not in use. For social gatherings of various types, it is often desirable to have portable surface constructions for use in preparing food and drink items.

[0060] The backyard refreshment station 10 includes a framework 14, a table 16, a lower surface 17, and preferably a wind screen 22. The framework 14 includes a lower support assembly 24, which includes a lower surface support structure 21, a table support frame 26, and optionally a canopy support frame 28 and a canopy 20.

[0061] The table 16 may also optionally include a number of preparation wells 30 for food items or drink preparation supplies. There are also preferably an upper storage space 32 and a lower storage space 34.

[0062] Pivot assemblies 46 and pivots 44 connect all the frame members 38, 39, 42, 40 to each other, so there are no loose pieces to be gathered and assembled. The lower support assembly 24 can be thought of as an extended scissors-frame assembly since the tops and bottoms of each pair of frame members scissor together or apart. These scissor pairs 35 are then joined in an extended assembly where the ends of multiple pairs are joined at the pivot assemblies 46. They also allow the lower support assembly 24 as a whole to be collapsed or expanded in a very easy and efficient manner. Force directed at any one of the corners causes movement in all the other corners, so that there is movement of the whole lower support assembly 24 in either an inward or outward direction, relative to the central area 36. The pivots 44 allow the lower support assembly 24 to move towards a central area 36 from all sides as a unit when the frame 18 is to be collapsed, and to move away from this central area 36 when expanding.

[0063] In practice, the collapsible refreshment station 10 assembles and disassembles very quickly and easily. The lower support assembly 24 is carried in a compact bundle to the site where it is to be used and stood upright on its feet 48, 50. One of the corner uprights 56 is grasped and pulled outwardly from the central area 36. The lower support assembly 24 then expands until it is in its extended configuration. The cross bars 66 of table support frame 26 are then attached to the front and rear connector sockets 62, 64, as well as the canopy support frame 28. The table 16 is positioned on the table support frame 26, the lower surface 17 placed on the lower surface support structure 21, and the windscreen and canopy attached to the frame 14.

[0064] For a double table station 100, the canopy support frame 128 includes bridging bars 150 and spacer bars 114, which link two single table stations 12 together. A double canopy 120 and rear windscreen 160 are used to complete the small enclosure, into which the user can retreat in order to prepare food and drink.

[0065] The canopies 20, 120 provide protection from the sun, and the windscreens 22, 160 provide shelter from wind and the flight paths of some insects. The tables 16 and lower surfaces 17 provide convenient areas for preparation, and supplies may be stored in the upper storage spaces 32 and the lower storage spaces 34. The backyard refreshment stations 10, 100 thus provide useful temporary structures which are very useful for outdoor settings, camping trips, and for homeowners who may wish to have a facility for entertaining guests, but who may not want a permanent structure for only occasional use.

[0066] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the collapsible refreshment station 10 of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long lasting.

[0067]10 backyard refreshment station

[0068]12 single table station

[0069]14 framework

[0070]16 table

[0071]17 lower surface

[0072]18 screen surface

[0073]19 lower surface

[0074]20 canopy

[0075]21 lower surface support structure

[0076]22 wind screen

[0077]24 lower support assembly

[0078]26 table support frame

[0079]28 canopy support frame

[0080]30 preparation wells

[0081]32 upper storage space

[0082]34 lower storage space

[0083]35 scissor pairs

[0084]36 central area

[0085]37 extended scissors-frame assembly

[0086]38 front support members

[0087]39 rear support members

[0088]40 side support members

[0089]42 middle support members

[0090]44 pivot

[0091]46 pivot assembly

[0092]48 corner foot

[0093]50 middle foot

[0094]52 upper corner connector

[0095]54 upper middle connector

[0096]56 corner upright

[0097]58 socket

[0098]60 through-hole

[0099]62 front connector socket

[0100]64 rear connector socket

[0101]66 cross-bar

[0102]68 two-pivot connector

[0103]70 three-pivot connector

[0104]72 upper face

[0105]74 retaining members

[0106]76 hooks

[0107]78 retaining hooks

[0108]80 upper cross bar

[0109]82 lower cross bar

[0110]84 upper connector socket

[0111]86 lower connector socket

[0112]100 double table station

[0113]114 spacer bars

[0114]120 canopy

[0115]128 canopy support frame

[0116]148 modified front corner feet

[0117]150 bridging bars

[0118]160 rear windscreen 

1. A collapsible refreshment station comprising: a lower support assembly, including a plurality of frame members, the upper ends of said frame members being pivotally attached to upper connectors, and the lower ends being pivotally attached to feet, such that said lower support assembly as a whole expands outwardly from a central area; a table support frame, which attaches to said lower support assembly; a table, which attaches to said table support frame; each of said upper connectors including an upper face, said upper faces serving to form a lower surface support structure; and a lower surface disposed upon said lower surface support structure.
 2. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 1, wherein: said lower support assembly and said table support frame are included in a framework which also includes a plurality of connecting sockets which attach said table support frame to said lower support assembly.
 3. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 2, further comprising a windscreen which is attached to a portion of said framework.
 4. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 2, wherein: said framework further comprises a canopy support frame, to which a canopy is attached.
 5. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 1, wherein: collapsible refreshment station is a single table station.
 6. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 5, wherein: two single table stations are connected together to form a double table station.
 7. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 1, wherein: said table support frame includes at least one cross-bar.
 8. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 7, wherein: said at least one cross-bar attaches at said connector sockets.
 9. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 1, wherein: said lower surface support structure includes retaining members which engage portions of said lower surface to maintain said lower surface in position.
 10. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 4, wherein: said canopy support frame attaches to said lower support assembly at connecting sockets.
 11. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 10, wherein: said canopy support frame includes upper connector sockets and lower connector sockets and an upper cross bar connects between said upper connecting sockets, and a lower cross bar connects between said lower connecting sockets.
 12. A collapsible refreshment station comprising: a framework including a lower support assembly, having a plurality of frame members, where said plurality of frame members are grouped into a plurality of scissor pairs which are joined near their midpoints by pivots; the ends of said frame members of said scissor pairs are joined at the pivot assemblies to form an extended scissors-frame assembly, such that the lower support assembly moves towards a central area from all sides as a unit when the frame is to be collapsed, and moves away from this central area when expanding; a table support frame, which attaches to said lower support assembly; a table, which attaches to said table support frame; each of said pivot assemblies including an upper face, said upper faces serving to form a lower surface support structure; and a lower surface disposed upon said lower surface support structure.
 13. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 12, wherein: said pivot assemblies include corner feet middle feet, upper corner connectors, and upper middle connectors.
 14. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 12, wherein: said framework further includes a canopy support frame, to which a canopy is removably attached.
 15. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 12, further comprising a windscreen which is attached to a portion of said framework.
 16. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 12, wherein: said collapsible refreshment station is a single table station.
 17. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 16, wherein: two single table stations are connected together to form a double table station.
 18. A collapsible refreshment station comprising: a lower support assembly, including a plurality of frame members, each frame member having an upper end and a lower end, said upper ends of said frame members being pivotally attached to upper connector assemblies, and said lower ends being pivotally attached to feet, such that said lower support assembly as a whole expands outwardly from a central area; a table support frame, which attaches to said lower support assembly; a table surface, which attaches to said table support frame; each of said upper connector assemblies including an upper surface, said upper surfaces serving to form a lower surface support structure; and a lower surface disposed upon said lower surface support structure; a canopy support frame, to which a canopy is attached, said lower support frame, table support frame, and canopy support frame forming a framework; a windscreen which is attached to a portion of said framework.
 19. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 18, wherein: said collapsible refreshment station is a single table station.
 20. The collapsible refreshment station of claim 19, wherein: two single table stations are connected together to form a double table station. 